The Crimestoppers ‘Most Wanted’ van has returned to Hampshire following its successful campaign in March
Once again faces of notorious criminals from the county and the Isle of Wight’s are set to be broadcast by the independent charity Crimestoppers.
The last initiative had seen information increase by over 60 per cent.
Tip-offs were received on every individual featured in the March campaign and over half who appeared on the digital van were arrested.
And the response from residents and media was so great that anonymous information to Crimestoppers hit a high of 239 items in March, up from 158 in January and 149, February.
Julia Hughes, Regional Manager for Crimestoppers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: "Last time the digital advan came to Hampshire we received 28 pieces of information from the public on wanted individuals.
"Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted works because people understand they can safely and anonymously speak up about criminals without having their identities revealed or having to go to court."
More than 100 faces are listed on the ‘Most Wanted’ gallery for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for crimes ranging from burglary, drugs and criminal dam-age to assault.
At the end of this week new ‘Most Wanted’ faces will appear on a van fitted with a large digital screen that will travel to Portsmouth, Andover, Basingstoke and Aldershot.
Crimestoppers will also be using Facebook advertising urging residents to check out ‘Most Wanted’ in the Gosport area by visiting https://crimestopp ers-uk.org/most-wanted.
Intelligence Development Manager for Hampshire police Rebecca Colvin said: "The anonymous service provided by the charity Crimestoppers and their Most Wanted gallery together with the courage of the local people to speak up about local criminals, is an integral means of law enforcement swiftly tracking down some wanted individuals."
Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane said: "I am delighted to support this Crimestoppers initiative and heartened to see how the last appeal helped to raise awareness. This campaign has allowed the public to be engaged in the work of the police to bring criminals to justice."
Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted was launched on November 17, 2005, at the time, the first national online source of wanted individuals in the UK.
It is asking everyone to look at the faces on www.crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted and, if they recognise any of the suspects, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.